A recent ranking compiled by Chinese netizens on portal site 163 has reignited admiration for the most beloved historical beauties in Chinese entertainment. Dubbed the “Top 4 Most Beautiful Historical Actresses”, the list includes Gillian Chung, Liu Yifei, Cecilia Liu, and Yang Mi, each known for their ethereal visuals and iconic period drama roles that have captivated audiences for decades.
Yang Mi – The Most Beautiful Wang Zhaojun
Yang Mi has left a strong impression in numerous historical roles. From her portrayal of Wang Zhaojun, praised as the most beautiful onscreen version of the character, to her supporting role as Guo Xiang in “The Return of the Condor Heroes (2006),” her charm was undeniable.
She showcased her acting range in “Chinese Paladin 3,” playing dual roles, the mischievous Tang Xuejian and the gentle Xiyao. Her star status soared in “Palace” (2011) despite initial backlash. Later successes like “Swords of Legends” and the record-breaking “Eternal Love” (2017), where her portrayal of Bai Qian was considered superior even to Liu Yifei’s film version, solidified her status.
Cecilia Liu – The Graceful and Steadfast Heroine
Cecilia Liu is admired for her elegant presence and emotional depth in historical dramas. As Long Kui in “Chinese Paladin 3,” she portrayed a naive yet tragic character with heart. In “The Vigilantes in Masks,” her role as the noble thief Yan Sanniang impressed with self-performed action scenes.
Her career breakthrough came with “Scarlet Heart,” where she transformed public doubt into one of the most iconic roles in C-drama history. Over a decade later, she returned to the wuxia genre with “A Journey to Love,” proving she still shines in action-heavy roles. Her recent portrayal of Di Ping’an in “The Tale of Rose” once again mesmerized viewers with her timeless beauty and refined visuals.
Liu Yifei – The Eternal “Fairy Sister”
Known as the “Fairy Sister” for her otherworldly looks, Liu Yifei remains a timeless symbol of historical drama beauty even after 20 years. She gained massive popularity as Wang Yuyan in “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,” praised for her pure and gentle appearance.
Her roles in “Chinese Paladin” (as Zhao Ling’er) and “The Return of the Condor Heroes” (as Xiao Longnu at just 17) became legendary, with even author Jin Yong praising her as the closest embodiment of his creation. In “The Last Supper,” she played the tragic beauty Consort Yu alongside Xiang Yu.
In 2022, Liu made a grand return to TV after 16 years with “A Dream of Splendor,” immediately reigniting fan fervor. Her “ageless” beauty and delicate performance captivated audiences once again, proving her charm remains undiminished.
Gillian Chung – The Undisputed Queen of Historical Beauty
For two decades, Gillian Chung has reigned as the unrivaled queen of period drama beauty. With flawless features, sparkling eyes, and porcelain skin, she’s long been hailed as the “goddess of Hong Kong.”
Despite facing personal and career hardships, her talent and allure have remained intact. Her recent return has been warmly welcomed by fans who marvel at how time only seems to enhance her elegance and charisma.
She mesmerized viewers in roles like Zhou Er, Fairy Melody, and Xia Dao Huan. Her latest appearance in “Love Game in Eastern Fantasy” showcased a striking transformation after weight loss. As Murong Ni, her visuals ranged from innocent to fierce, drawing praise as “the most seductive mother figure ever seen onscreen.”
Each of these four actresses has left an indelible mark on Chinese historical dramas, not only for their stunning looks but also for their memorable performances. While newcomers continue to emerge, these legends remain the gold standard of period drama beauty, led by the ever-unrivaled Gillian Chung.